Lords EU Committee to question David Lidington

The session is the Committee's second pre-European Council meeting with the Europe Minister. The session will allow the Committee to contribute to the Government's preparations for the European Council to be held 18-19 December.

The evidence session will be held at 4pm on Tuesday 9 December in Committee Room 3 of the House of Lords.

Areas the Committee will cover with Mr Lidington include:

• The prospects of new European Council President, and former Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk. The Committee will ask the Minister how confident he is that President Tusk can be an ‘honest broker' in all areas, including energy policy where there is a distinctive Polish position.
• How will the Government seek to maximise the benefits to the UK of the European Commission's Investment Plan? Which Government department will be responsible for the Investment Plan for the UK?
• What does the Government see as the role for national parliaments in the EU? Is there any hope for national parliaments having a bigger role in years to come?
• What discussions has the Government had with other Member States and the EU institutions about the so-called ‘Green Card', which would allow national parliaments to work together to suggest EU legislative action.

The session will be webcast at www.parliamentlive.tv and is also open to the public. Journalists wishing to attend should go to Parliament's Cromwell Green Entrance and should allow time for security screening.